Franciscan Voice

Constitutions Part 1: Letters

In this 12 part series, Friar Tim Kulbicki delves into the Constitutions for the Order of Friars Minor Conventual. This is a document that seeks to put on paper the original charism of the Order, given to us from our founder St. Francis of Assisi 800 years ago, and then describe how that charism translates into modern terms. How do we take that charism and set policies and rules to live it in all the friaries across the world? The Constitutions must respond to the needs of an increasingly global, diverse, and pluralistic fraternity. 

Constitutions Part 12: Universality

From local 'fraternities' to federations of provinces, Friar Tim Kulbicki explains the Conventual Franciscan Order's structure in this last episode of the Constitutions.

Constitutions Part 11: Chapter

St. Francis of Assisi made the Chapters of the Friars the most important factor in governing the Order. Friar Tim Kulbicki explains the different kinds of Chapters, and how all the Friars share in determining the ministry and direction of the Franciscan Order.

Constitutions Part 10: Conversion

Adapting to an ever-changing world, we continue conforming ourselves to Christ through a life-long process of conversion. Friar Tim Kulbicki explains the process from a Franciscan perspective.

Constitutions Part 9: Formation

What is Franciscan formation? How does it work? Friar Tim Kulbicki continues his discussion of the Constitutions.

Constitutions Part 8: Mission

Words teach and actions speak. In this episode, Friar Tim Kulbicki talks about the call for the friars to travel the world proclaiming the Good News. How can we reinvigorate Christian life? How can we share the joy of the Gospel?

Constitutions Part 7: Ministry

Ministry is our response to Jesus' commands. St. Francis said: "The Lord God gave me the grace to work." Friar Tim Kulbicki discusses how the Friars respond to the needs of the times in deciding the tasks to be accomplished, then work on their assigned duties (while remembering their spiritual and fraternal lives), humbly doing the things the Church and the community need them to do.

Constitutions Part 6: Co-responsibility

If they take a vow of poverty, how come they have to worry about finances like everybody else? Friar Tim Kulbicki focuses on how the friars care for goods and finances in terms of poverty and as an expression of fraternity.

Constitutions Part 5: Fraternity

In a world where individualism reigns, how do the friars live in fraternity, open and sharing with each other, creating a Franciscan family despite differences of opinion and personality? In this episode, we begin Chapter 3: the Fraternal Life of the Friars.

Constitutions Part 4: Penance

Continuing the discussion of Chapter Two, Friar Tim Kulbicki talks about the penitential life. Penance helps exercise the spiritual 'muscle' that allows us to say no to self in order to say yes more deeply to God and others.